Virus surge sends ripples of alarm through Democrats

One of the central questions looming over the midterms is whether Democrats can retain their grip over moderate swing voters, particularly in the suburbs, or whether Republicans will win them back. If these voters lose confidence in Biden’s handling of the pandemic, it could dash Democrats’ hopes of keeping their majorities. But if Republicans are seen as impeding the recovery, their pitch on other issues may not resonate with these voters.

The president and his aides, recognizing the stakes, have begun more aggressively emphasizing how much of the latest outbreak is unfolding in Texas and Florida, both led by Republicans who have frequently boasted of disregarding federal health guidance…

For months, Americans gave Biden high marks for his handling of the pandemic, as shots went into arms at a fast clip, infections fell sharply and mask mandates and lockdowns were lifted. That helped boost his overall image, even as he received less-than-stellar marks on issues such as immigration and crime.

But now, the cornerstone of Biden’s popularity is staring to erode. A recent Gallup poll showed his approval rating dropping to 50 percent, the lowest of his presidency. Gallup also found a stark shift in views on the pandemic, with the percentage of Americans saying it was getting worse rising and those saying it was getting better falling.